Chanderi

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Cold winters, hot summers
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Handloom textile heritage and medieval monuments

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Gwalior Airport, ~214 km or Bhopal Airport, ~230 km
By Train: Lalitpur Railway Station (~40 km) and Ashok Nagar Railway Station (~50 km)
By Road: Well-connected via state highways; buses and cabs available from Bhopal, Gwalior, Jhansi, and other nearby cities

Where to Stay?

MPT Kila Kothi – heritage property with royal ambiance and garden
Hotel Modi Palace – comfortable mid-range stay with modern amenities

Packing List

Light cotton clothing for day
Warm woolens for winter evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and moisturizer
Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Chanderi Fort

An 11th-century hilltop fort offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.

Koshak Mahal

A majestic palace built in 1445 CE, featuring impressive arched doorways and intricate architecture.

Badal Mahal Gate

A striking ceremonial gateway with towering turrets, set against beautifully landscaped gardens.

Jama Masjid

A three-domed mosque showcasing exquisite Malwa-Islamic architecture and intricate stone carvings.

Kati Ghati Gateway

A monumental rock-cut gateway standing 80 feet high, carved through solid rock in 1495.

Chanderi Museum

A two-storied museum housing artifacts from the Stone Age, Jain sculptures, and historical relics.

Khandargiri

A Jain pilgrimage site featuring rock-carved temples and a 45-foot statue of Tirthankara Rishabhnath.

Shahzadi ka Rauza

A memorial tomb built for a princess, reflecting the town’s medieval romantic history.

Pranpur

India’s first craft handloom tourism village, just 4 km away, where artisans weave the famous Chanderi fabric.

Must-Try Experiences

Visit Weaving Centers

Watch skilled artisans create the famous Chanderi sarees on traditional looms in Bunkar quarters.

Explore Bollywood Film Locations

Walk through streets where movies like Stree and Sui Dhaga were filmed.

Attend Chanderi Festival

Experience the annual five-day celebration with cultural performances, craft bazaars, and adventure activities.

Shop for Chanderi Sarees

Purchase authentic handwoven sarees directly from local weavers in the bustling markets.

Trek to Budhi Chanderi

Explore the ancient ruins of 55 Jain temples dating back to the 9th-11th centuries, 19 km away.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Poha with sev, masala dosa, bajre ki roti
Lunch: Dal bafla with ghee, kadhi with rice, sabudana khichdi
Snacks: Bhutte ki kees, palak poori, papad ki sabzi

Culture & Local Life

Chanderi is known for its handwoven Chanderi sarees made from silk and cotton. The town has over 5,000 looms and 9,000 weavers dedicated to this ancient craft. Its history dates back to the 11th century, with influences from Malwa Sultans, Bundela Rajputs, and Mughals. The town is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the kingdom of King Shishupal. Today, Chanderi celebrates its heritage through festivals, traditional music, and artisan workshops.

Local Insights

Languages: Hindi (primary), English understood in hotels
Getting Around: Local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and shared transport available
Safety Tips: Carry cash as ATMs are limited, respect local customs at religious sites, wear modest clothing when visiting temples and mosques

Enjoy Your Yatra!

TheeraYatra